What is the best, loudest, sound card?

jakobkraft

Golden Member
Jan 21, 2002
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What can I say about SoundMAX? Not much, which is why I'm in the market for a new sound card...but which one is the best for not only sound quality but sheer volume, even with headphones? I have older neighbors so, sadly, I'm dependant on headphone use a lot of the time. Everyone talks about Creative Labs, but then I heard something about a Hercules card? I'm used to obsessing over video card but I must admit I'm clueless as to the best sound card out there.

Any ideas? Remember - VOLUME....!
 

Beau

Lifer
Jun 25, 2001
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www.beauscott.com
Most cards only put out a line level output, shifting the volume effects to your reciever/speaker setup. Perhaps you should look at investing in that instead.
 

Idoxash

Senior member
Apr 30, 2001
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My Famesurround Fortissimo II does has a clear loud phone jack that should be enought for anyone but if you looking for blood from ears you need some bigger amps.........
 

Woody419

Senior member
Sep 22, 2001
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Instead of spending money on a new soundcard, get a headphone amp. Probably a cheaper solution too.
Any of the amps on e-bay would probably go loud enough to make your ears bleed.

Or if you are handy you could build your own:
Headbanger
Headwize
 

DSTA

Senior member
Sep 26, 2001
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Heh - since Woody already came up with my suggestions - let me just add that any old school HiFi amp with a headphone plug will also do fine. If you look around you can probably get one from the trash or for very little money at least.

Little story: I hate to see good old electronics stuff wasted, so I recently picked up a 1975 Marantz receiver that my neighbours were about to throw away. After a bit of dusting and cleaning this thing sounds very nice. Also looks like Bugatti made it, from the inside (big fat discrete parts and great all metal shielding)!